Since creating this clan, I have changed up some of the ranks a few times. These could continue to change, but the core system will remain.

Ranks in the Shadow Ørder are based on activity, dedication, attitude, behavior, and of course, time. Every member's career in this clan could look vastly different than someone else's. The ranks are meant to outline a person's role in the clan, not necessarily for authority, but for goals to work towards as you play Jedi Academy and as you solidify your role in the clan itself.

How do I rank up?
Ranking up doesn't entirely involve checking off things in a list. You are always being observed by the Shadow Council with everything you do. The way you are perceived by those on the council and by other members and players will greatly affect any chance of you getting promoted.

Showing maturity and dedication in the clan is a huge factor in ranking up. If we don't feel you're ready for more responsibility, you won't be promoted until we do. Just because you've been in the clan for 2 years doesn't mean you have a right to be ranked as a Jedi Master, as an example.

With that said, there are things that you can do (and not do) to ensure you're on the right path to a promotion. Here are some:

Don't ask for a promotion. If it's been a year and you haven't been promoted, there's a good reason for that, and you probably already know why that is, if you think about it.
Be active. This is a big factor. Getting on the server for 5 minutes does not count as being active. You're in the clan for a reason, and if you're wanting a promotion, being active is vital.
Find ways to help. The main reason for ranking up in a clan is to have more responsibility. Ask if you can do anything to better the clan. However, don't overstep authority in doing this.

What are the requirements for each rank?
Each rank is harder to get than the last. Some will take more time than others to achieve, and some will have actual trials to prove that you are worthy of earning a rank. Most details of a trial are kept as a secret until you are given the trial itself. We won't trial you unless we think you are ready to face what we put you through. However, that doesn't mean it will be easy.

After the Padawan rank, you get to the Jedi rank, which you will then get the opportunity to choose a path you might want to take in the Shadow Order. These are called Roles. Each role provides a certain job that you attain. Again, these are optional, geared towards those members that want to give back to the clan in ways that they can, either by teaching, competing, modding, event hosting, etc. There are two paths with 2 roles in each path.

Consular Ranks
Jedi Consular ---> Jedi Shadow

These ranks focus more on contributing and building up the clan, such as modding, planning events, creating media such as videos, and just being an active and pleasant presence. These people don't have much of a desire to "be the best" or to train in saber combat, but rather contribute in other ways to the clan that others may not be able to. Are you good at video editing? Use that for the clan. Do you like to make machinima? Let's start a SØ comic. There are lots of skill that members can contribute to the clan.

Sentinel Ranks
Jedi Sentinel ---> Jedi Assassin

These ranks focus mostly on saber combat and getting as good at the game as they can. This can also involve training others in combat. These members also can form teams against other clans/teams or act as team captains for clan events.

These ranks don't necessarily mean that you are purely limited to one play style, however, be sure to pick one that you intend to follow closer than the other. You can still make mods for the clan and be a Jedi Assassin, for example. However, try to adhere to your rank. If you think you made a mistake in the choice you made, talk to the council about changing paths, or consider cross-training.

Cross-training means you choose your main path, but then later choose to trial for the opposite role as well, allowing you have privileges of both roles. This is only allowed 4 weeks after you gain your first role.

Take a look at the ranks page to read about each rank:

RANKS

Okay, I'm in the clan. Now what?
Read this thread. It's only visible to clan members.

Ranks are shown by color code in-game. You can see what rank is what color on the ranks page linked above. Only the tags themselves need to be the color of your rank.